Take Home Pay Calculator

Take home pay, also called net pay, is the amount of money you receive in your paycheck after all taxes and deductions have been withheld from your gross wages. This includes federal and state income taxes, Social Security, Medicare (FICA), and any voluntary deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.

The main taxes withheld from a U.S. paycheck are federal income tax, state income tax (varies by state), Social Security tax (6.2% on wages up to the annual wage base), and Medicare tax (1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% for high earners). Local taxes may also apply in certain cities or counties.

Gross pay is your total earnings before any taxes or deductions are subtracted. Net pay (take home pay) is what remains after all federal and state taxes, FICA contributions, and pre-tax or post-tax deductions have been withheld. Net pay is the actual amount deposited into your bank account.

Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.) directly determines your standard deduction amount and the tax brackets that apply to your income. Married filers generally have a wider set of lower-rate brackets, which typically means less federal income tax withheld and a higher take home pay compared to single filers at the same income level.

Pre-tax deductions are amounts subtracted from your gross pay before income taxes are calculated. Common examples include 401(k) or 403(b) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA/FSA contributions, and commuter benefits. Because these reduce your taxable income, they effectively lower the amount of income tax you owe and increase your net take home pay.

FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, which funds Social Security and Medicare programs. Employees pay 6.2% of their gross wages toward Social Security (up to the annual wage base limit, which is $176,100 in 2025) and 1.45% toward Medicare, for a combined FICA rate of 7.65%. Your employer matches these contributions.

This calculator provides a solid estimate of your federal take home pay and allows you to enter your state's tax rate manually to approximate state-level withholding. However, exact withholdings can vary based on your state's specific tax brackets, local taxes, W-4 elections, and other factors. For precise payroll calculations, consult a payroll professional or your employer's HR department.

You can increase your take home pay by maximizing pre-tax contributions to accounts like a 401(k), HSA, or FSA, which reduce your taxable income. Reviewing your W-4 allowances to ensure correct withholding, taking advantage of employer benefits like commuter or childcare FSA accounts, and filing at the most favorable status for your situation can all boost your net paycheck.